Science and technology

Superconductivity goes to sea

Article Abstract:

A type of propellerless power for oceangoing vessels is being developed based on magnetohydrodynamic propulsion. Although the technology may one day have commercial ships cruising at 40 to 50 knots, or even faster, the maiden voyage of 'Yamato 1' in Japan achieved only six knots.

Molecular marvels: the next industrial revolution will come when tiny machines start building everything a molecule at a time

Article Abstract:

Eric Drexler coined the term 'nanotechnology' to describe a future he envisions in which machines are built molecule by molecule. The machine components would be measured in billionths of a meter, or nanometers. Various scientific movements toward this technology are described.

Why scientists are thinking small; researchers strive to create computers with parts the size of molecules or atoms

Article Abstract:

Nanotechnology has become one of the most important areas of scientific research, as the emphasis is being put on making computers and other machines as small as possible. Eventually, components will be not much larger than molecules or atoms.